GUIDE "MY RIGHTS IN THE CASE THAT THE TRIAL LASTS UNREASOBNABLY LONG " IS PUBLISHED

18. February 2020.

The guide "My Rights in Case the Trial Lasts Unreasonably Long" is intended for citizens to become aware of their rights and obligations in the event that the length of court proceedings threatens their right to a fair trial, as well as to provide them with the necessary information on protection.

The length of court proceedings is one of the most recognizable problems that threatens the legal security of citizens and the rule of law. Long trials and the associated costs are often the reason why citizens give up on them or even try to protect their rights. If we await a ruling in a criminal case, child support or a wrongful dismissal from work for years, then the lives of the affected citizens often become irreparably difficult.

In Serbia, a large number of citizens are affected by the threatened right to a trial within a reasonable time. This is evidenced by the fact that the largest number of rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, issued against Serbia in 2018, relate precisely to the length of court proceedings, while there are numerous proceedings before domestic judicial authorities, too. This guide seeks to assist citizens in the simplest and most practical way to actively participate in the protection of their rights before the courts. The guide specifically deals with the Law on the Protection of the Right to a Trial within a Reasonable Time, which enables citizens to respond in a timely manner in the event that their trial lasts for an unjustifiably long time and to compensate them for the damage they have suffered as a result.

The guide was developed as a result of the activities of the Belgrade Center for Human Rights under the project “Open Doors of Justice”, implemented by the Committee of Lawyers for Human Rights – YUCOM, and with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The guide "My rRghts in Case the Trial Lasts Unreasonably Long" is available on http://socijalnoukljucivanje.gov.rs/sr/објављен-водич-моја-права-у-случају/

Source: www.yucom.org.rs and Coordination Body